To give the reader an idea of how one would naturally feel on the first introduction to such a place, we will give it in the language of a prisoner, who says: “After examination I was shown to my cell. It was now about two o’clock in the afternoon of my first day in prison. I remained in the chair during the entire afternoon. Of all the dark hours of an eventful history none have been filled with more gloom and sadness than those of my first day in prison. All my life I moved in the highest circles of society, surrounded by the best and purest of both sexes, and now I was in the deplorable condition of having been hurled from that high social condition down to the low, degraded plane of a convict. As I sat there in that desolate abode of the disgraced I tried to look out down the future. All was dark. For a time it seemed as if that sweet angel we call Hope had spread her wings and taken her departure from me forever. The black cloud of despair somewhat settled down upon me. But very few prisoners possess the ability to make anything of themselves after having served a term in the penitentiary. I sat brooding over these things for an hour or more and my manhood asserted itself and hope returned. I reasoned thus: I am a young man, I enjoy good health, there will be only a few months of imprisonment, and then I will be free. I thought of my loving wife, little children, my aged mother, my kind friends, and for their sake I would not yield to despair. Soliciting aid of a kind heavenly Father I resolved to do the best I could toward regaining what I had lost. I was aware of the fact that when I got out of the penitentiary all the money I would have with which to make another start in life would be five dollars. The United States presents her prisoners upon discharge with a suit of citizens’ clothes and five dollars. This was my capital.” Truly such a sad condition would be deplorable, but the prisoner can only assert his manhood, lay his plans for the future, and determine to rise above it all, which is not impossible. Many have risen to a good standing in life. What has been done can be done again.